Detroit, MI – July 7, 2025
The Detroit Pistons are charging full steam ahead into the free agency window, and their latest maneuver — a sign-and-trade sending veteran guard Dennis Schröder to the Sacramento Kings — has given the franchise a burst of financial flexibility that they are now using to aggressively pursue five targeted players to bolster their depth and redefine their on-court identity.
The Pistons finalized a sign-and-trade deal on July 2, shipping Schröder to the Kings after he agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract, according to reporting from The Athletic. The deal, confirmed by a league source to the Detroit Free Press, cleared valuable cap space and allowed Detroit to open up additional room to make further moves in the free agent and trade markets.
Pistons Already Active: Key Moves So Far
Before this latest deal, the Pistons had already made waves:
•Caris LeVert: Agreed to a multi-year deal, bringing veteran shot creation and two-way versatility to the wing rotation.
•Paul Reed: A high-energy big man known for his rebounding and defense, inked a deal to provide interior toughness.
•Duncan Robinson: Acquired via a sign-and-trade deal, the sharpshooting forward will add critical floor spacing around franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham.
Yet, Detroit isn’t done. Sources confirm that at least one more major move is pending, and the team is targeting five key players with the remaining cap space.
The 5 Players the Pistons Are Pursuing:
1.Obi Toppin (F, Indiana Pacers)
A high-flying forward with improved three-point shooting, Toppin fits the Pistons’ athletic and up-tempo system. He’s seen as a potential frontcourt partner for Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart and can thrive in transition alongside Cunningham.
2.Tyus Jones (PG, Washington Wizards)
With Schröder gone, Detroit is eyeing Jones as a stabilizing floor general. He’s one of the league’s most reliable ball-handlers with elite assist-to-turnover ratios — a perfect veteran complement to Cade and Ivey in the backcourt.
3.Xavier Tillman Sr. (F/C, Boston Celtics)
A rugged defender and former Michigan State star, Tillman could return home to Michigan. His ability to guard multiple positions and anchor defensive sets makes him a smart depth piece at the 4 and 5 spots.
4.Saddiq Bey (F, Atlanta Hawks)
A reunion might be on the table. Bey was previously part of the Pistons’ young core and is known for his physical frame and streaky shooting. Detroit could be considering bringing him back as a proven rotational forward who knows the system.
5.Precious Achiuwa (F/C, Toronto Raptors)
A versatile defender with athleticism and shot-blocking upside, Achiuwa is being viewed as a potential long-term defensive piece. His development curve still has promise, and he would bring intensity to the Pistons’ second unit.
A New Era in Motion
The Schröder sign-and-trade is not just a cap-clearing move — it marks a strategic turning point for the franchise. Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and a revamped front office, the Pistons are clearly working to blend veteran leadership, youth development, and roster balance.
“We’re building something sustainable,” said one team executive off the record. “We’re not here to just accumulate talent — we’re building a team that can grow together, compete, and win.”
With Cade Cunningham entering a critical stage of his development, and Detroit seeking a return to playoff relevance, every move from this point forward is calculated. And with cap space still available and momentum clearly on their side, don’t be surprised if one or more of these five targets lands in Detroit before the offseason wraps up.
The message from the Motor City is loud and clear: The Pistons are back in the game.
